It’s December 9 Months  Covid-19 in Indonesia and Bali

Bali, one of the famous tourist destination in the world has been hit massively by the Covid 19 Pandemic similarly to most other countries. Bali tourism contributes to 40% of the national tourism revenue and has deceased significantly hurting the Island since Bali relies on tourism. When the first Covid case was found in Jakarta in March 2020, the Government took action to control the spread of the virus. However, the regulation wasn’t coming from Central Government in Jakarta, but the authority given to each provincial governor to manage or act on their own guidelines to control their own territory, after getting approval from President or authority in Jakarta.

Lockdown has never been the primary option to control the virus spread in Indonesia. The view was, it could harm the country economically and would leave the country with potential economic loses in many sectors.

 The policy guidelines within one region to another is different. Jakarta has applied social limitation in large sectors (PSBB) chapter 1 and 2 to control the virus spread. Unfortunately some contradictory events have occured during this pandemic in Indonesia. While other countries have significantly enforced restrictions to control covid 19 and wouldn’t allow family visits or inter state travel, the Indonesian Government has done the opposite. They have approved crowds to gather for ‘Car Free Day’ in Jakarta, mass travel during Eid Mubarak  holidays and the long holiday period, including re opening Bali for domestic tourism in July, protests upon the Labour law in Jakarta and some other cities, protests in Bali towards a Senate member, thus increasing the number of people getting exposure and risking not only their lives but someone else lives too.

A country of 270 million people, with only 20.000 – 22.000 tests being conducted per day. It’s below WHO standard which is 38.500 tests per day, according to Covid 19 National Task Force spokesperson Mr. Adisasmita.  Fatality rates have reached 18.956 and the numbers are increasing day by day. It shows  the virus will never get eliminated from this country, but people have to live with it until a vaccine is found. What is scary and worrying is how the government is responding to this pandemic situation.  Earlier during the pandemic the Minister of health referred to drinking jamu (drink made from herbs)to boost the imune system.   There was a launch of eaculyptus necklace products, the Bali’s governor also announced that arak (Balinese fermented drink) can cure Covid 19.

There was a circular note leaked and distributed via whatsapp messages on 1st week of November. Summary of procedures from the Health Office following up the instructions from the Minister of Maritime and Investment. In order to boost Bali’s tourism for national ecomonic recovery, a plan to open Bali airport for international flight from/to Bali in December 2020 has been established. So far, no one can confirm this. There was  a similar plan from Bali’s governor in Sept 2020 re opened Bali for international tourist, however the plan didn’t go ahead since none of the Ministers in Jakarta gave approval and Bali was not allowed to open the border for International tourist. This plan for December could end up the same. This contradicts travel restrictions from many countries and some countries have a second lockdown (Europe and England).

What is concerning regarding this circular note,  was a statement “to create a safe and comfortable environment for foreign tourists visiting Bali, eliminating the stiff atmosphere, bureaucratic atmosphere and tense atmosphere (no army or Police officers). In order to attract and give the impression that Bali is a cool, pleasant and welcome place and ready to welcome the arrival of foreign tourists while still enforcing health protocols. (Keep Distance, wear masks and wash hands). Comments were made implying Covid 19 is a common disease, just like the flu, or fever need not be excessive”. It’s totally misleading information and dangerous.  They are doing the opposite compared to what other countries are currently doing, which is actually trying hard to battling covid 19.

Bali particularly relys on foreign visitor to support the economy. Nearly 45.000 employees have lost their job during the pandemic in Bali and 13 millions all over the Indonesia. 146.000 empty hotel and villa rooms, shops in tourist areas, and restaurants, are losing profit and won’t be able to pay their staffs any longer if the pandemic continues. This also includes businesses related to tourism. Some of the tourist areas have turned into ghost towns because there are no visitors.  This has resulted in the closure of many businesses. For those who are originally from Bali have to go back to their hometown and live with parents/relatives to help support their life on a daily basis. They’re lucky enough if they have a small piece of land and can turn it into farming land or find alternative work to be able to sustain themseles during the pandemic.

2020 is a tough year for everyone, for employee, job seeker, and business owner. Tourism wouldn’t be back anytime soon at least until a vaccine is found. It would take months for a vaccine to be established and ready to launch. In the first quarter 2021  some countries would have it and people would have the confidence to travel again after they get the vaccinesss.  Second quarter would be the recovery phase for every countries. Hopefully by the third quarter 2021 foreign tourist will be starting to visit Bali . However, expecting full recovery for tourism is still a long way to go after this pandemic.